This fantastic article from The Walton Tribune in the greater Atlanta area describes Dow Lively's journey to business ownership. Dow officially opened Window Genie of Loganville on Monday February 24th. We're excited to have him on TEAM GENIE - Congrats, Dow! Posted: Wednesday, March 5, 2014 12:00 am By: Raquel Willis Loganville local Dow Lively is looking to make a clean sweep after the opening of his incarnation of Window Genie on Feb. 24. The franchise offers specialized home services such as window and gutter cleaning, window tinting, pressure washing and cleaning. With an atypical road to business ownership, Lively’s interest in the franchise developed after being laid off from his previous job in August 2013. “Over a period of a couple months, nothing was happening so I got rather frustrated with that. I started to examine the franchise world and I got in touch with a coach for franchises,” Lively said. “I happened to get one that was very good. He asked some questions. I had to do a personality profile. He started suggesting different franchises I could probably fit into with my background and personality.” It took a month, but after examining the benefits that Window Genie could provide to Loganville, he finalized plans and decided to go into the home service industry. “Window Genie always stood out for its simplicity. I wanted something that wasn’t high tech, had low overhead and would connect me to the community,” Lively said. “Also, being able to offer a variety of services to fit every home’s needs and budget is great.” Window Genie’s appeal also came with a high rating by his coach and an increased rating through Forbes Magazine over the past decade. “I felt good that this was something I had a chance at succeeding at,” Lively said. His confidence stemmed from his 18 years of experience working in construction, sales and management. Many of the same principles that he learned in that line of work spills over into business ownership and his plans for the franchise. “For me to be a successful salesperson, I have to believe in the product, I have to deliver the product and you have to be able to talk to people with a straight face to sell the product,” Lively said. “Sales techniques are pretty much standard in any industry, but you’ve got to have a style for whatever it is that you’re selling. Over a period of years, I guess I’ve learned enough and developed a style of sales.” The past month has been focused around training from corporate officials and making sure that Lively is set with a proper foundation for the business. “I got to hear from the guys in the system what worked, how they felt about the potential of their business and it helped me make my decision‚“ said Lively. “After I left my week of training at the corporate office in Cincinnati I felt very comfortable with the decision I made. This will be a challenge but that’s what makes it exciting. I just want to get out there and see what I’m made of.” Their first week revolved around getting their name out in the community and figuring out the preliminary concerns that all businesses have in the beginning. “We are getting more calls already this week, but it’s going to take a while to get the name recognition and proper advertising,” Lively said. The existence of this service in Loganville represents a situation in which customers won’t have to travel miles for more specialized services. There’s a convenience that Window Genie is trying to foster. “(Locals) have a window service company right here in town and they don’t have to go all the way to Atlanta or Athens. We just want to do a lot of work locally,” Lively said. “I’ve always worked with national contractors and all over the southeast, but now I’m finally figuring out what the community is and where it is.” For more information contact Dow Lively at [email protected] or 770-680-7844.
You love the look of your windows after they’ve been detailed by a professional company. But you don’t have to deal with staring out dirty windows between your semi-annual window cleanings. Your home cleaning solutions won’t replace a professional cleaning service but they can keep you satisfied with the state of your windows in the meantime. Whether you want to see big city Los Angeles or small town Newmarket, windows this clean will help you be able to see clearly no matter where you are.
Keeping your windows in a shiny state isn’t as difficult as it may seem and can be made easier when you follow these five helpful hacks. Remember that these tips are only to be used for interior cleaning. Always leave any hard to reach windows that would require a ladder to the professionals. As pleasant as it is to have clean windows, it isn’t worth sacrificing your safety for.
1. Ditch the Newspaper
It’s become a pretty common practice for people to recycle the newspaper lying around their house by using it in place of paper towels. This is a smart and environmentally friendly practice. However, the number one complaint about this practice is all the ink you usually end up with on your hands.
To avoid the ink stains covering your fingers, pick up an unused paper coffee filter and use that instead. Like newspaper, coffee filters help to keep your windows from streaking. But unlike newspaper, it won’t leave dark marks all over your hands and window pane.
2. Learn How to Squeegee
Most people want the bright shine of a clean window but avoid cleaning it because they are afraid of creating unsightly streaks. If you still can’t avoid streaks, even with the coffee filter method, watch a few YouTube videos on proper squeegeeing techniques.
You can purchase a small squeegee for inside your home from most home improvement stores. Remember to wipe the blade between each swipe and change it when it gets dull. This will keep your windows brighter and more see through.
3. Make Your Own Cleaner
When you hear “homemade cleaners” do you roll your eyes before you go back to your Pine Sol and Windex? Some home-brewed cleaners can be a tricky balance of water, ammonia, and other random household liquids. To clean your windows though, all you need is water, vinegar, and dish soap. Two parts water to one part soap and one part vinegar will suffice, although there are plenty of different measurements that will all yield positive results.
Spray (but don’t drench) your windows with this cleaner before wiping it away. Then rinse your window with a small amount of water to avoid any film build up from the dish soap. Be careful to avoid adding too much dish soap to your formula for this reason.
4. Use a Blackboard Eraser
If even after following these strategies those streaks are still driving you insane, head to your local craft store and pick up a new blackboard eraser. It won’t erase all of your problems but rubbing it across your window will get rid of those pesky streaks.
A soft, static-free shirt or cloth diaper can also help to eliminate streaks on your windows. The trick is finding something that will get rid of streaks but not leave behind an additional residue of lint or dust.
5. Take Care of the Details
When it comes to windows, the perfection is in the details. It isn’t enough to have a window that you can see out of. You want to be able to see perfect out of it from any angle, at any time of day.
To avoid water marks on the edges, wipe your cleaner or water with a soft t-shirt or even a Q-tip. If you’ve noticed some intense scratches in your windows, buff them out with a non-gel toothpaste. If you have the remains of a sticker or decal on your window, rubbing alcohol will help to get the gunk off. Look through your window at every detail to get it cleaned to perfection.
Theo Schmidt is a freelance blogger who enjoys spending time in the outdoors, and is passionate about protecting the environment. For new and improved windows, visit the Northern Comfort Windows website.
What makes Window Genie a great opportunity for young entrepreneurs today?
Window Genie has been experiencing record growth this year. We're all about creating opportunities for determined entrepreneurs who are looking to take control of their own success and be their own boss. Window Genie has proved to be a fantastic option for entrepreneurs today, especially young entrepreneurs. For example, we recently awarded a franchise to Matthew Johnson of Kansas City, MO. He's just 27 years old, our youngest franchise partner ever! About buying a Window Genie franchise, Matthew said, "I knew as a first time business owner that franchising was the best option for me. I was looking to join a system that would offer someone like me exceptional support. I'm also looking to continue to grow and build something I can have for years to come." Although most of our owners are young at heart, young means 35 years old or younger in this case. About 20% of Window Genie's franchise owners either are, or were under 35 when they purchased their business. What is it about Window Genie that has young entrepreneurs excited?
Window Genie was recently featured in the October 3rd issue of USA Today in an article titled Franchisors Target Young, Ambitious Franchisees. In it, Window Genie Founder and CEO, Rik Nonelle explains why franchising in general is a good option for young people, “Young people today are facing tough job market with limited opportunities to reach their full potential. Owning a franchise offers those in their 20s and 30s a chance to take control and determine their own success. Instead of an entry level job working for ‘the man’ they can start at the top as their own boss.”
Rik knows firsthand what it’s like to start a business young; he started Window Genie in Cincinnati, OH as a local window cleaning business when he was only 29. In the USA Today article he also says, “What we love about young entrepreneurs is that they keep an open mind, accept guidance and have the energy and drive to really make things happen. We’re a great fit for young franchisees because we’re affordable and our owners can work from home, which requires a lower initial investment and allows our franchise owners to focus on growing their business.”
As we continue to grow, Window Genie encourages young entrepreneurs to learn about the Window Genie opportunity. Owning a Window Genie franchise allows for long-term sustainable growth; our franchise agreement defines a term as 10 years in business. Window Genie has always been committed to maintaining a strong, reliable, supportive system for franchisees to follow. Window Genie was ranked #44 overall for franchisee satisfaction by Franchise Business Review. We were ranked #4 in our category (mid size franchise). We strive for longevity in the business, and to deliver the happiness and success factors our owners were seeking when they decided to purchase a franchise.
To learn more about how to BE YOUR OWN BOSS visit the Window Genie online virtual brochure at Neighborly Window Genie Franchising.
Window Genie is known to "Clean Windows and a Whole Lot More!" The whole lot more includes window tinting, pressure washing, gutter cleaning and giving back to the community. Window Genie's culture is defined by our effort to constantly improve and lead in these 5 aspects of our business: 1. Market Share 2. Branding 3. Customer Satisfaction 4. Professionalism 5. Community Citizenship To uphold our fifth pillar of Community Citizenship Window Genie has continually found ways to give back to the communities we live and work in. The creation of our program Windows 4 Wishes in late 2011 has encouraged franchisees across the country to get creative and give back to show who they are as small business owners.They're urged to give back to the organization, charity, school, church etc in their community in any of these following 4 ways: Service: To offer free Window Genie services such as window cleaning, window tinting or pressure washing to the charity/organization of choice.
Donate: To donate goods or money to the charity or organization of choice.
Promote: To publicly endorse and campaign for the name and mission of the charity/organization of choice.
Volunteer: The franchise partner may choose to give time by himself or with employees on behalf of WG, towards assisting and improving to the betterment of the charity/organization of choice
Who you are, not just what you do
Through Windows 4 Wishes, our owners are able to express to their customers and community who they are, not just what they do. Window Genie owners are making a real effort to give back and stay active in their local communities and give to those people and causes they and their family really care about. Since this program has been in place, Window Genie has been able to affect over 30 different organizations including Habitat for Humanity, Make-A-Wish, Meals on Wheels, Ronald McDonald House Charities and oh so many more. Ask your local Genie what he or she is doing to make a difference in your local community!IMPORTANT TIPS FOR CLEANING GLASS
Cleaning your windows, mirrors, tables or other glass surfaces seems like a breeze. A squirt of your favorite glass cleaner and a paper towel should to the trick… right? WRONG! Oh so very wrong. Glass is a delicate, porous surface that requires much more careful cleaning than most people may realize.
Why should I have my windows professionally cleaned?
If you’ve ever asked this, I have the answer! Well for one, it’s dangerous! Any kind of laborious work done on a ladder imposes a level of risk. Cleaning a whole house worth of windows is also time consuming and requires more supplies and know-how than most would expect. You can avoid wasting a whole day cleaning your windows only to have a so-so outcome by hiring professional help. At Window Genie, all technicians are fully trained, bonded, insured and have passed a background check. You can identify them by the GENIEMOBILE they’ll roll up in and by their ID badges. These guys and gals get the job done and leave your home in a new and improved state! Backed by our “Streak-Free Guarantee,” Window Genie is your leader in home services, known to clean windows and a whole lot more.
WHY window cleaning is important
Cleaning windows is not like cleaning a mirror or other glass surfaces inside your home.
WHY?
Windows are constantly exposed to the elements of rain, snow, temperature change and wind to name a few. Glass is a porous, sponge-like surface that will develop buildup of dust, dirt and various minerals over time. When these penetrate, it can cause staining and permanent damage. Replacing your windows is extremely expensive and completely avoidable. Your local Genie can help you determine your home’s specific needs and how often you should have your windows cleaned.
IN THE LONG-RUN
Maintaining your windows will add to the look and value of your home. If you are ever to sell your home, inspectors do take into account how well maintained the home is, and yes that includes the windows. Having sparkling clean windows WILL add to the curb appeal of your home. If they seem to need replacing, potential buyers will see this as a red flag. If you think of it this way, cleaning your windows is a solid investment for resale.
Cleaning do's, don'ts and fun facts
Many of the leading brands of glass cleaner contain harmful chemicals such as ammonia. Window Genie does not; we use products that are gentle on the environment as well as you, your family and your pets
Window Genie recommends using a microfiber towel when cleaning glass over paper towels or even newspaper. Here's why: Although both paper towels and newspapers are effective, they're both wasteful. Re-using a microfiber towel is another small way you and your family can go green with Window Genie! Besides that, microfiber towels are the most absorbent fabric you can use to clean glass, or any surface. Microfiber towels won't leave behind those pesky "fuzzies" on your glass like paper towels or an old rag might. No streaks, no smears, no worries!
The importance of Gutter Maintenance
Ignoring your gutters can get you into a lot of trouble! A proper maintenance routine calls for at least two clean-outs a year to avoid costly, irreversible damage to your home. Window Genie is here with some fun facts! We hope after reading this you feel educated and prepared to care for your home like never before!CLOGGED GUTTERS: A home's silent killer
There's good news and there's bad news. We'll start with the bad: Gutters are one of the most overlooked aspects of home maintenance. It's easy to forget a part of your home you cannot easily see or access. Problems arise silently and you're usually unaware until it's too late! Yikes! Water cannot properly flow from a clogged gutter. Stagnant water is an ideal breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects. Birds and mice are also known to make themselves at home in a clogged gutter! Water that cannot drain properly WILL find a way out of the gutter eventually. This usually means the water seeps into your roof, siding, fascia board or foundation. Over time this causes significant damage including excessive mold, cracking, rusting and rotting. A rotten house is not a happy house! Your gutters will begin to distance themselves... literally! Gutters are typically installed with a nail. Over time, weather causes this nail to expand and contract. The hole the nail rests in has now expanded. When the nail contracts again, it comes loose and slips out, bringing the gutter with it. The gutter could break free from the roof taking siding, paint, shingles or landscaping down with it. Cleaning your own gutters is DANGEROUS! According to the National Safety Council, falls are the #1 cause of accidental death and injury at home.Falls cause over 6,500 deaths each year and over TWO MILLION hospital-related injuries every year.We told you there would be good news! There are solutions to your gutter problems
WINDOW GENIE CAN HELP! Window Genie now offers gutter re-securing as an add on service. If we're cleaning your gutters and notice they're coming loose, we can easily re-secure them that day! Replacing gutters is EXTREMELY expensive if they fall off, especially if they take your roof, siding or landscaping down with them. Why gamble on a perfectly good gutter when it's only flaw is how it's been attached. We'll get you cleaned up, re-secured and good to go! Window Genie offers Window Care, a program where scheduled repeat visits save the customer money. This is especially effective when multiple services are bundled and scheduled to be regularly repeated together! If you need your gutters and windows cleaned twice a year, have them done on the same day! You'll save money, time and it's incredibly convenient.Spring Cleaning: Who can we thank for this tradition?
It’s that time of year again. The days are getting longer, and it’s a good thing too! There is suddenly so much to do around the house, right? Spring cleaning is a popular but time consuming and strenuous tradition. There may be a few explanations as to why we as Americans feel the sudden urge to collectively purge, rearrange and restore our homes from top to bottom come springtime. Now who can we thank for starting this trend?
Well, it’s no myth; winter causes us to be inherently less active and motivated. That’s right; your brain creates melatonin when there is less sunlight on cold dreary days, making you sleepy! Come spring, Mother Nature provides us a natural energy boost by giving us warmer weather and extra sunlight. This is when you’ll notice the cobwebs, the ring around the tub and the dirty, streaky windows.
So now that we know why we’re willing to spend the time and effort cleaning, we can explore the ancient tradition of spring cleaning as an activity that western society has adopted. Spring cleaning was not always how we know it to be today; it began in the Jewish, Iranian and Chinese cultures many centuries ago.
The Jewish tradition came from their regular house cleaning just before Passover; the holiday marking the exodus of the Jews from Egypt. Since matzah, or unleavened bread, was fed to the Jewish slaves in Egypt, it is tradition for Jews to rid their house of any leavened bread during Passover. This is to honor and remember those that had to overcome slavery and oppression by eating foods the Jews consider humble. To ensure all bread has been removed from the house, including crumbs, a full-fledged house cleaning is routinely done each year as to not offend God.
The Iranian New Year, like in most cultures, signifies new beginnings. The ritual, “khooneh takouni” which means “shaking the house” has been a customary activity performed by Iranians looking to turn over a new leaf and refresh their homes. Undergoing a complete house cleaning allows for the New Year to start off on the right foot.
The third group of contributors to the origin of spring cleaning is the Chinese. The Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in their culture. It is celebrated for weeks, welcoming spring and celebrating good fortune to come. Like Iranians, Chinese mark the coming of a new year with a thorough house cleaning. They sweep, mop and rearrange to rid their homes of any negativity seen in the previous year. They do this to symbolically welcome rebirth in all aspects of their life, hoping to bring good luck in the New Year.
Spring Cleaning: Never Fear, Help is Out There!
No matter your reason, you may become overwhelmed at the daunting task of cleaning an entire house inside and out. Many homeowners are able to tackle the tasks inside their home, but how many are able to get on a ladder and completely clean their own windows, siding and gutters? How many homeowners are comfortable doing that, and furthermore, have the tools and supplies to do so? Reaching out for help in some areas may be worth considering. Do yourself a favor and research quality local home service and landscape professionals this season. Reviews on sites like AngiesList, Google+ or Yelp will help steer you in the right direction. You could also ask a friend or neighbor who they use. Creating a game plan and sticking to it with a little help will make for a successful spring cleaning this year!
What makes a good franchisee?
2013 is looking like it’s going to be Window Genie’s biggest, best year. So far in 2013, we have 10 new Window Genie owners coming on board scheduled to grand open this winter and spring. In an interview with The Franchise King, Joel Libava, Window Genie CEO, Rik Nonelle was asked about what kind of people become Window Genie franchise owners, and if there was a certain “type” we look for. Posted on The Franchise King’s Blog, it read:
Me: What are some of the backgrounds of your most successful franchisees?
Rik: What makes us great is that our owners come from very diverse educational and occupational backgrounds. What makes ALL of our successful owners successful is their hard work and determination to succeed, but how they arrived there is dramatically different. In the past 24 months alone, we have added new franchise partners that include 3 CPA’s, a chemical and a mechanical engineer, a veterinarian that recently sold his 16 person clinic, 2 former CEO’s and a yacht captain. All had success prior to Window Genie, and all are on the track to success WITH Window Genie.
Me: What traits do you look for in a potential owner of a local Window Genie franchise?
Rik: This is a great place to bullet point who we look for and what traits tend to lead to success in our business. A prospective owner doesn’t have to have all of them, but the more the better:
Being a self starter is an extremely important quality we look for. There are so many skills that can be taught, but having the innate ability to create success using one’s own drive and resources is hard to come by and we really value that. We look for someone with the ability to follow the system we’ve developed, but take it to a new level adding their own “flair” and create their own success above and beyond what we have to offer as guidance. Someone that does not DEPEND on the system but works WITH it will be successful. Being able to wear many hats and multitask as an owner/operator/manager. Not being afraid to face challenges inside and out the office from employee to customer relations. Being consistently professional and representing the brand to the best of your ability every day. The GAMMY rule – treating everyone’s home as though it’s Gammy’s home. Treating each customer, whether they call with a compliment or a complaint, as though it’s Gammy calling. Before you make a decision, consider, what would Gammy think? Being an honest decent human being is another quality that is difficult to teach. We look for men and women with integrity, who are willing to do the right thing, not the easy thing. A franchisee that truly cares about improving each home and business he enters will be successful. Enthusiasm is contagious and each interaction can become positive when the franchisee is passionate and genuinely proud of what his business has to offer. We look for leaders who can successfully manage their crew and set them up for success. Motivating employees to do their best and be proud of their work is essential. Successful hiring, training and continued guidance for employees creates positive experiences for customers each time those technicians enter their homes.So once a franchisee comes aboard, what kind of support are they getting?
You’re probably wondering: Once you’ve awarded a franchise, what are you doing to ensure success across the whole system? Are your franchisees really getting the support and help they paid for by buying into a franchise? I’ll let the existing owners answer that.
98% of our franchisees completed the FBR50 franchisee satisfaction survey by Franchise Business Review last year. Their assessment of us earned Window Genie a spot at #4 in America for mid-sized franchises of 50-99 locations. Out of ALL the franchises that participated, regardless of size or industry, Window Genie ranked #35 in America for franchisee satisfaction. We’ve got some happy owners! Some of the benefits of buying into a Window Genie franchise are:
Protected Territories
Proprietary Office Genie™ Online Software
Use of the Window Genie Name, Logo & Service marks
Complete Initial and Ongoing Training – week of training at corporate headquarters in Cincinnati before Grand Openign
Grand Opening Assistance on-site with corporate personnel
Marketing and Advertising Programs
Assistance with National Pay-Per-Click campaign via GOOGLE, YAHOO & MSN
Continuing Field Support – on-site training with corporate personnel
National Product & Equipment Affiliations
WG-57 Genie Glass Cleaner for Promotion & Resale
Purchase Discounts on Equipment & Supplies
Publicity and PR Assistance
1-800 Toll Free Support
Teleconference Training “Best Practices” Calls for whole system and “Underclassmen Calls” for new owners
Annual Convention for whole system – 2012 held in New Orleans, 2013 held in San Antonio
Enough about us, are you looking to take control of your own success? Have you always dreamed of being your own boss? If you’ve got the spirit of an entrepreneur and the drive to learn and grow, franchising is for you. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit our online virtual brochure at windowgeniefranchise.com or call 800-700-0022 to talk to someone today!
What is window film, and is it for me?
Window Film is your friend. Window film, or Window Tint is one of those incredible products that pay for itself over time. Window Film is universally beneficial to any home or office because it significantly lowers energy use and utility bills. There are countless reasons to have window film installed in your home beyond saving money. We're here to discuss some of the benefits you can enjoy by installing window film.
Utility Bills, Energy Use: GO GREEN & SAVE MONEY
Having window film applied in your home or office is a great investment because it pays for itself over time. During every season, window film helps eliminate unnecessary energy use to keep your home a comfortable temperature. Think of window film as your HVAC system’s partner in crime. Together they battle your home’s energy waste and save you money on utility bills without compromising comfort.
During hot summer days, window film deflects up to 79% of solar energy that penetrates your windows, heating your home. This gives your AC a break from having to work double-time to keep you cool. You no longer have to draw the blinds and curtains and live like a vampire to keep the sun’s heat off of you. You can still enjoy the benefits of a naturally bright sun-drenched room, but now without the heat, as these films will not darken your windows tremendously. Think of it as big sunglasses for your house!
In the winter, window film acts as an insulator, holding the heat in your home. High utility bills in the winter are a homeowner’s biggest nightmare. Everyone’s been there… the internal struggle on whether to put a scarf and mittens on while watching TV… or turn the heat up and pay for it later. Neither of those sounds like a good time!
FADE: stop the fading of your fine furnishings with window film
All of our traditional and designer window films offer 99% UV protection to help eliminate the fading of your fine furnishings, carpet, hardwood floors, paintings and window treatments. The suns harsh rays are working nonstop to negatively affect the beauty and integrity of your interior. Left unprotected, windows provide easy entry into your home for the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Properly selected window tint can significantly reduce fading and helps you relax knowing that your possessions are safe. While no window tint can completely stop fading, our residential window films will significantly reduce the three major components that cause fading; UV, heat and visible light.
GLARE: can’t see a dang thing on the screen?
That irritating "white" light glare is a common problem in windows facing South, West and East. You have to move your seat to see your TV and end up just closing the curtains to read your email. This glare or white-light can cause a room to become uncomfortable and annoying to be in. When it comes to your home, you want to take full advantage of the style and ambiance that you created. Glare often times requires that blinds or drapes be drawn to make the room feel livable. Doing so eliminates the view and requires the constant adjusting of the window treatments. The addition of window film can cut down on the glare while still allowing for a clear view of the outside. Enjoy a bright sunny room without feeling like you need to wear your sunglasses inside. Properly selected window film can blend with the style of your home, adding to it a look and feel that actually complements the overall decor.
PRIVACY & SECURITY
That window in your bathroom really could use a set of blinds. It’s time to quit giving your neighbors a peep show. Don’t want to darken the “office” with curtains or blinds? Window film comes in a variety of choices from frosted to decorative to reflective privacy film that looks mirror-like from outside.
Window film strengthens glass for increased security; intruders or extreme weather are less likely to be able to break the window. If they do, window film secures dangerous shards acting similarly to a broken windshield.
WHY CHOOSE WINDOW GENIE?
Have you ever tried to apply window film yourself? NOT EASY. Home improvement stores do carry DIY versions of window film, but none of them compare to the quality of window films that Window Genie provides. Window film application takes precision, a steady hand and a ton of supplies. Hiring help means the job will be done right and you don’t have to spend the day struggling only to end up frustrated because you left bubbles in the windows and have to start over. Ask your local Genie for a complete list of inventory and to discuss options to fit your needs. You can even get a free phone estimate!
We hope you understand a bit more about window film than you did before. Don't take our word for it, do your homework and call your local Genie to discuss your needs further.
